What inspired you to start your business, and how has your journey shaped your approach to your industry? I am an author, writing my 1st book “Is this me? Am I her?” I found out that I was a mental abuse survivor. After doing research on mental health, I learned that 63% of the African American male population, will not seek help. That is when I began, he Brother’s Forum, helping men understand that it is ok to ask for help. That the stigma that they grew up with is no more. Most men feel that they can’t show emotion, the are head of household and can’t show weakness.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your profession, and how did you overcome them? I wrote a book on men’s mental health through the eyes of the black man. Called Unspoken “it’s ok, not to be ok.” This book had 26 men that participated to share what mental health means to them and what struggles they had with it being a African American male. Working with men’s mental health, I have had quite a few ladies send me messages, they didn’t understand why I was so passionate about helping the men, when women needed help. My response to that was, women are quick to reach out for help, be it medical or talk to a friend. Men will not tell another male that they are struggling with something, that shows signs of weakness. My goal is to help them understand they can reach out for help now without judgement. As the messages picked up some of them read very hateful as to why I was helping our men, now I respond why aren’t you?
How do you balance growth in your business with maintaining personal well-being? Working a full-time job, writing, and trying to get the message out, can be overwhelming at times. I have a group of friends who remind me that I need to take a few hours to myself if I do nothing but sleep in one day. I try to take two hours to myself just to relax so that I can keep going.
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs looking to elevate their brands and visibility? The advice I would give, don’t go in thinking that you will make thousands the first year. If you do that is a win. If you don’t then you will not get upset. Take advantage of all resources you can find. If your business is no longer fun to you and it feels more like work take a break and come back to it. I hit a wall; my son reminded me that when I am not enjoying what I do I will not want to continue to do it. He was right, I do my best to enjoy growing my brand and business.
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You can follow my Instagram @pamela_coleman2319 or @pcoleman